Blue Mountains News

This production is adapted by the creative powerhouse Damien Ryan and Margaret Thanos, delving into the complexities of modern relationships and breathing new life into Shakespeare's works. Scheduled for performances from 6th - 21st January 2024, the production unfolds within the stunning open-air theatre at Leura Everglades Gardens, providing an immersive and picturesque backdrop for the audience.

Described as "Mount Olympus meets the Global Financial Crisis," this production will flip any expectation of traditional Shakespeare on its head. Under the direction of the award-winning, Cypriot-Australian director Thanos, the play transforms the open outdoor space into a vibrant spectacle of Shakespearean drama, crumbling ruins, DJ techno and Greek dancing. Featuring Damien Ryan in the lead role of Timon and an impressive 12-person cast, SFJ promises a unique outdoor Shakespeare experience to herald the summer season.

The production reinterprets an ancient play within a contemporary context, prompting audiences to contemplate the intricacies and challenges embedded in modern relationships. Rooted in the question, "Do you hate your friends? Timon does too," the play embarks on a joyfully brutal exploration of modern morality, delving into the conditional nature of relationships and the societal anxieties they elicit. It sheds light on societal norms that have normalised ghosting, loss, and rejection. In doing so, audiences are prompted to reflect on whether these trends are shaping the future of modern connections.

But hey, when paired with a glass of bubbles and lying in the beautiful Leura Everglades Gardens, at least you’ll find solace in the fact that, even though your friends might leave much to be desired, life's not too bad.

Event Name: I Hate People; or, Timon of Athens
Presenter: Sport for Jove Theatre Company
Location: Leura Everglades Gardens, Leura, NSW
Dates: Friday 6th Jan  - Sunday 21st Jan 2024
Tickets: $30 - $47.50 (plus bf)
Event Link: here